Michaela Althouse

Michaela Althouse is a staff writer for PhillyVoice with interests in climate, technology, education and politics. She’s previously written for Technical.ly, Washingtonian Magazine, Philadelphia Magazine, New Project Media and Metro Eireann. She is a Bucks County native who enjoys gardening, exploring Philly and finding the city’s best coffee.

michaela@phillyvoice.com

June 9, 2025

Environment

What should you do if you encounter a coyote in Wissahickon Valley Park?

by Michaela Althouse

The Friends of the Wissahickon said people with dogs have reported two recent close encounters with coyotes. Wildlife experts say coyotes are typically harmless, so the sightings in Wissahickon Valley Park aren't a reason to panic. But they advised hikers to avoid the Devil's Pool area where they were spotted.

June 6, 2025

Transportation

Struggling to find parking near the Ocean City boardwalk? This app can help

by Michaela Althouse

With the newly launched Ocean City Parking Spot app, drivers can see in real time where there are available spaces at the shore town's municipal lots.

June 5, 2025

Government

Overnight curfew approved for bodegas in Kensington, Fairhill and Germantown

by Michaela Althouse

City Council rushed to approve a number of bills and resolutions during its penultimate meeting Thursday, including measures on affordable housing an overnight business curfew and hearings to consider reinstating a Fairmount Park police force.

June 5, 2025

Business

Reps. Pelosi, Ocasio-Ortez and other top Democrats reportedly boycott 3 Stephen Starr restaurants in Washington

by Michaela Althouse

More than 50 Congressional Democrats, including Nancy Pelosi, Elizabeth Warren and Alexandria Ocasio-Ortez, reportedly signed a pledge to boycott six high-end restaurants in Washington in a show of support for workers attempting to unionize. The restaurants include three owned by Philadelphia restaurateur Stephen Starr.

May 30, 2025

Performances

On stage in June: Shakespeare's 'All's Well,' 'Giovanni's Room' and Daryl Morey's basketball musical

by Michaela Althouse

Philadelphia theater companies have a number of new twists on classics in June, including the world premiere of a stage version of James Baldwin's 'Giovanni's Room' and the merging of 'Gulliver's Travels' and basketball that was co-produced by Sixers President Daryl Morey. Plus, performances of 'The Dining Room' and 'Space Opera,' a live-action role-playing event.

May 30, 2025

Food & Drink

Happy hour specials and sidewalk sales return to East Passyunk on Thursdays this summer

by Michaela Althouse

The Passyunk Passeggiata, a weekly event with happy hour specials and pop-up sidewalk sales from local stores, returns to South Philly on Thursdays from June 5 to Aug. 28.

May 29, 2025

Transportation

With the Pride festival and Roots Picnic this weekend, here are the road closures around Philly

by Michaela Althouse

Streets in the Gayborhood and around Fairmount Park will be closed this weekend for the Pride festival and Roots Picnic. Here's what you need to know to get around.

May 29, 2025

Business

Phoenixville's Bluebird Distilling to add pizzeria and expand its tasting room

by Michaela Althouse

Bluebird Distilling is undergoing a $2 million renovation to add a pizzeria and update its tasting room, coffee shop and bottle shop. The Phoenixville staple will remain open throughout construction. It is expected to be complete by early winter.

May 29, 2025

Transportation

Section of 47th Street in West Philly to be turned into one-way road to make room for bike lane

by Michaela Althouse

City Council approved two bills Thursday calling for turning a stretch of 47th Street into a one-way road heading northbound. The change would make room for a bike lane from Chestnut Street to Kinsessing Avenue.

May 28, 2025

Social Media

Josh and Lori Shapiro share 'secret to 28 years of blissful bliss' in anniversary video

by Michaela Althouse

In a video celebrating their 28th wedding anniversary, Josh and Lori Shapiro talked about their early days as high school sweethearts in the 1980s, the secret to a good marriage and their proudest achievement.